Now entering its tenth model year and third iteration, the Boxster continues to reap the benefits of Porsche's traditional evolutionary method of engineering. Last year's introduction of the Cayman, basically a more powerful, hardtop version, demoted the Boxster to the bottom of the Porsche lineup in terms of power. For 2007 the Boxster climbs up to equal footing, thanks to a power boost that equips the Boxster S with the same 3.4-liter, 295-horsepower powerplant of the Cayman S, while the "just plain" Boxster and Cayman receive the 245-horsepower, 2.7-liter engine. On paper the numerical difference seems minor but, on the road, the improvement in performance and drivability, especially in the base model Boxster, is remarkable.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Boxster carries on the legacy of Porsche's legendary 550 Spyder and 356 Speedster in a thoroughly modern
convertible format that combines day-to-day utility with performance and handling that rival more exotic machinery. Either model, but especially the basic Boxster with its upgraded engine, provides all the benefits of belonging to one of motoring's more exclusive clubs without paying excessive dues.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Anyone looking for edgy, aggressive styling and racetrack performance to match would be better served by the Cayman. Although both the standard issue Boxster S and Boxster come fairly well equipped for the money, the option list is long and pricey and your Boxster may drive out the door with a price tag equivalent to a 911.

What's New for 2007

Although the Cayman, by virtue of the added rigidity of its hardtop, maintains the ultimate edge in handling, away from the race track for most drivers the Boxster provides comparable performance excitement with the added allure of a
convertible top, a bit more comfort and definitely more available storage via two roomy trunks.

Driving the Boxster

Driving Impressions

Porsches are excellent driving machines and both Boxster models more than live up to that heritage. They are rewarding to drive at nearly any level of expertise. The feel and...

... responsiveness of the steering is incredible, allowing for accurate and exact placement through just about any type of turn at just about any speed. The handling is as exceptional as the steering, although the combination of optional 19-inch wheels and the "sport" setting of the PASM on certain road surfaces can result in a very harsh ride. Through the years, the term "Porsche brakes" has become a synonym for the ultimate in safe, positive stopping. Best of all, even though it is a convertible, the Boxster is no fair-weather vehicle when it comes to safe and exceptional levels of performance in wet or dry conditions. Although the performance of the Tiptronic S transmission continues to improve, those physically capable should consider only the ultra-slick six-speed manual.

Favorite Features

Two Trunks
Anyone who has ever used a sports car as a daily driver, let alone taken a trip in one, has to feel that having not one, but two reasonable trunks is like having your cake and eating it, and then getting seconds.

PSM
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is great for what it doesn't do - interfere with your fun during aggressive driving, as much as what it does do - bail you out when the fun stops because your gumption has exceeded your ability.

2007 Porsche Boxster Details

Interior

The interior, a modern interpretation of the classic Porsche look - notably the instrument panel dominated by a large centered-mounted tachometer - carries over the major 2005 revamp that stressed roomier accommodations and upgraded materials. Four leather-covered seating choices range from mainly manual six-way adjustable standard seats to full power, "adaptive" sport seats.

Exterior

Styling carries over from the subtle, but effective muscular enhancement of the fender lines that debuted in 2005. You can spot the S model by its additional horizontal cooling duct in the lower front fascia and the dual exhaust outlets at the rear.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Boxster comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission with a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine, while the Boxster S includes a six-speed manual transmission and 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine. Both models have four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers at each wheel. The Boxster rides on standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the S on 18-inch alloys. Both models feature a canvas top, which can be operated at speeds up to 40 mph and includes an electrically-heated rear glass window. Because of the mid-engine location and lack of a spare tire and jack (an electric air compressor and can of tire sealant are substituted), the Boxster offers ample storage with a 5.3 cubic-feet capacity front trunk and a rear trunk of 4.6 cubic-feet capacity. Safety items include the excellent Porsche Stability Management system (PSM), as well as anti-lock braking system (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Automatic Brake Differential (ABD). In addition to two-stage front airbags, both driver and passenger are protected by a side impact system that includes torso-protecting airbags at the outside of the seat backrest and head airbags in the door windowsills.

Optional Equipment

Porsche aficionados look forward to personalizing their new Porsches nearly as much as driving them. Porsche acknowledges this with an extensive, and expensive, list of options. The pleasure cruisers will opt for a full leather interior, Bose Surround Sound, a six-CD changer and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system that combines controls for the audio and on-board computer readout with a DVD navigation system. A revised Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission is available on both models. Boxster buyers can also move up to the six-speed manual transmission and 18-inch wheels of the Boxster S, while 19-inch wheels are optional on both models. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) applies sophisticated computer controls to allow drivers to adjust the suspension for comfort or sport use. The Sport Chrono Package Plus allows a driver to dial in even more aggressive sportiness by adjusting the computer controls for the PSM, PASM and engine management. It also includes a somewhat gimmicky lap timing function. Big spenders and track junkies can drop over $8,000 for Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).

Under the Hood

Both 2007 Boxster models benefit from changes in the engine compartment, although the basic Boxster shows the most improvement despite a lesser power gain. Its 2.7-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine retains the same displacement but gains five horsepower to 245 horsepower and, even more importantly in terms of on-the-road performance, an increase in torque (from 199 to 201 pound-feet) that peaks 100 rpm earlier and extends from 4600 to 6000 rpm. This lowers its zero to 60-mph time to a quick 5.8 seconds. The Boxster S benefits from a larger 3.4-liter (versus 3.2-liter in 2006) horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine that puts out 295 horsepower (versus 280 horsepower in 2006) allowing it to speed from zero to 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds.